Coast Guard suspends search for missing fisherman off Big Island

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard suspended the search Monday for a missing fisherman off the Big Island.

The 110-foot Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, homeported in Hilo, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and an HC-130 Hercules aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and a boat crew, helicopter crew and dive crew from the Hawaii County Fire Department searched for the man.

More than 959 square miles were searched.

The 56-year-old male was fishing from a 10-foot cliff near MacKenzie State Recreation Area Friday evening when reporting sources say he was swept out to sea after either slipping or being washed off by a wave.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center received notification from the Hawaii County Fire Department Friday at 9:40 p.m., launched the Dolphin and Hercules aircrew and diverted the Kiska.

The missing fisherman was wearing black rain gear.

“The suspension of our active search effort is always a difficult decision and is not made lightly,” said Cmdr. Arex Avanni, a search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and loved ones.”